Starbucks’ recently appointed CEO, Brian Niccol, has addressed the ongoing union negotiations at the coffee chain and said he “deeply respects” employees’ right to unionize. Starbucks Brian Niccol pledged in a letter released on Tuesday, September 24, that he is committed to “engage constructively” with union representatives.
Starbucks continues contract negotiations with the Workers United union this week. The session would be the first with Niccol at the helm after a surprise CEO change by the company last month.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol pledge
This statement by Starbucks CEO comes as Starbucks continues contract negotiations with the Workers United union this week. It was a response to a letter addressed to him by 298 baristas who are bargaining delegates from the union. Earlier this month, Niccol said in an open letter that he would work to improve coffeehouse culture at the chain’s stores in the U.S. and plans to spend time in stores meeting with suppliers and partners to make improvements.
Niccol’s union negotiations
In his Tuesday letter, Niccol also reiterated his commitment to creating a “great work environment” at the stores, and added that the company “values” direct relations with workers.
“If our partners choose to be represented, I am committed to making sure we engage constructively and in good faith with the union and the partners it represents,” Niccol wrote.
Union’s collective bargaining
Starbucks began negotiations with Workers United in April on a “foundational framework” to guide collective bargaining in the U.S. The union’s bargaining delegation represents more than 10,500 partners across over 490 stores.
Rehiring at Starbucks
This development follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in June, which overturned a lower court’s injunction that had ordered Starbucks to rehire seven Memphis employees. These workers had been terminated during their efforts to unionize, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding labor organization within the company, as per the report.
All eyes will be on how Niccol’s leadership approach influences the relationship between Starbucks management and its unionized workforce as reported.
Starbucks stock update
Starbucks shares remain in negative territory for the year. This is as the coffee roaster struggles to stem a decline in sales, with customers balking at splashing out on pricey lattes. The Starbucks stock slid as much as 1.4% shortly after the market opened in New York on Tuesday.
